Efrain J. Fernandez
Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions

The Office of Acquisitions procures goods and services for VA. This office awards and administers cost-effective national contracts to meet supply and equipment needs of VA facilities around the country and to many other Government agencies (OGAs). These contracts include medical-related Federal Supply Schedules (authority delegated by the General Services Administration); blanket purchase agreements; direct delivery (for high-tech medical equipment and systems); centralized purchases; and prime vendor distribution contracts. VA facilities and OGAs use prime vendor contracts to purchase pharmaceuticals; medical, surgical, and dental equipment and supplies; information technology equipment and services; nonperishable food items; consulting services; and other health-care items needed to operate the largest health-care system in the Nation.

This office develops Department-wide acquisition policy, manages VA's acquisition training program, and offers continuing education programs for VA procurement staff around the country. The Office of Acquisitions also manages VA's Contracting Officer Certification Program and is responsible for warranting all VA contracting officers. To ensure the integrity of VA's acquisition program, this office conducts reviews of all major contract actions and, when necessary, makes site visits to VA contracting offices.